Our fellow commuter Noah recently asked what we would do for fun during the long Memorial Day weekend. In Chicago nearly 20,000 cyclists took to the car-free Lake Shore Drive to Bike the Drive on a warm and sunny Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

This Sunday – while waking up before dawn was a challenge – the reward of warm weather, thousands of cycling buddies, and a gorgeous sunrise made it all worthwhile.

Bike the Drive is the Active Transporation Alliance‘s largest fundraiser and the event attracts cyclists from beyond Chicago to take part in this unique event. I spoke with several riders in town from Wisconsin.

Once again this year all registered riders get rider numbers that they are asked to wear so that they can then register their unique rider number and get notified as soon as photos taken during the event are posted – and that number makes finding photos of you much easier.

I rode down to the event with my friends Dottie (of LGRAB) and Mr. Dottie

…and then I just rode and took it all in (and enjoyed another year of all the bikes)

And I love seeing the families make the event a family affair.

But pedaling 15-30 miles can be quite tiring…

The post-ride festival included live entertainment, food, merchandise and advocacy groups, including People for Bikes –

Simply put, we believe that life is far more enjoyable when it’s experienced on two wheels. We believe that by coming together, we can make our world a better place to ride.

Have you signed the pledge “in support of a better future for bicycling—one that is safe and fun for everyone.”

What a great way to kick off the summer – let’s all go ride bikes! HELLO SUMMER!

Dammit! Every year I say, “oh, I’m gonna get up to Chicago and do this ride” and then the year goes by without my participation. That looks SO fun — Lakeshore is beautiful and it would be such a blast to ride down it with so many other cyclists.

Bike the Drive and the NYC Five Boroughs Tour are on my short list for “must do” events.